Rajasthan probing land deals along border, says minister

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) The Rajasthan state authorities are probing large-scale land deals along the Indo-Pak border during the past five years to establish the buyers and their motives, Minister of State for Home Affairs Radhika V. Selvi said Wednesday. Reports indicate at least 48,000 acres of land in the border districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer extending right up to the “Zero Line” had been sold over a period of time to buyers from various parts of India, many with dubious addresses.

“Preliminary inquiries indicate that lands have also been purchased by many parties from places other than Rajasthan,” Selvi said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

“The government of Rajasthan has since placed four sub-registrars under suspension for procedural violations and have started disciplinary action against other officials.”

“The state government has informed that they have initiated a detailed inquiry into these transactions with the intention of identifying the purchasers and ascertaining the motives behind such transactions,” she said.

Selvi also pointed out that a high-level review on the subject has been held in the ministry of home affairs and the issue is being closely monitored in coordination with the state government.

While speculation linked to expectations about improved highway connectivity, new projects of irrigation and prospects of oil and gas finds could be a factor for accelerated investment in land in these areas, a definite conclusion would only be possible only after inquiry is completed, added Selvi.